What would be the best way to drill a whole insert in wood? ?
by
Jacob Platt
+4
turning a piece of live edge slab into drink smoker to make smoke whiskeys and stuff. I have a stainless steel insert for different wood chips but I need to drill whole inserts about 3in wide and 1in deep ( the slab is 2in thick). A whole cutter would have to go all the way through. What would be the least cost effective way to make the inserts?
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Maybe a router would be the best way to cut out the shape you describe.
I'm not sure I understand why a hole cutter would have to go all the the way through and why you could not stop at a depth of 1 inch? Another good choice for a bit would be a Forstner bit. You can even use a one inch spade bit and make a series of 1 inch deep bores and clean then up with a chisel to get it square. Mark the depth on your bit with painters tape so you know where to stop. You were not really clear on the full dimensions of the holes you need. Ann's suggestion of a router might be the best choice if you have access to one.
You could use a router (maybe can rent 1 from Lowes or Home Depot) and a 3" mortising bit-Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Magnate-Surface-Planing-Bottom-Cleaning/dp/B009X5MZ74/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Router+Bits+3%22+mortising+bit&qid=1621171443&s=power-hand-tools&sr=1-5
You would have to set the depth on the router.
You don't say if the inserts are long like a trough or just round. Router would be the best bet. You can also use a Fortsner bit for a flat bottom round hole.
You can use a hole cutter to make the cut 1" deep, then back your drill out. After that, chip away with a wood chisel.
I like Kathy's idea!
I'd use a 3" hole saw and stop when they're deep enough. Then route out the inside.
The pilot bit inside the hole saw will leave a small hole and I think Betsy's idea of drilling that small hole through, makes sense.